Our Approach

NeighborWorks Lincoln strengthens neighborhoods across Lincoln by building homes and increased leadership capacity. Residents equipped with the tools they need to create inclusive communities are Lincoln’s best ambassadors. The Community Building program cultivates community relationships to help improve quality of life for all Lincoln residents through appreciative inquiry and an asset-based community development approach. 

Click here to learn more about asset-based community development (ABCD).

Click here to learn more about comprehensive community development.

Another key focus for NeighborWorks Lincoln is the centering of historically marginalized neighborhoods and facilitation of power transfer, from institutions to residents. 

Building Resident Leadership

NeighborWorks Lincoln regularly sponsors the participation of neighbor groups in the NeighborWorks America Community Leadership Institute (CLI). This hands-on training strengthens the voice and leadership skills of community leaders. Participating alongside groups from around the nation in communities served by NeighborWorks organizations. 

Neighborhoods and groups that have previously participated in the CLI include:

• Clinton
• Dawes Middle School CLC
• Everett and Near South
• Lincoln Policy Network
• Malone/Hawley 
• Neighborhood & Environmental Sustainability Group
• University Place
• Woods Park

Creative Placemaking

NeighborWorks Lincoln has a long history of being involved in public art installation and other creative placemaking activities. Creative placemaking is the process by which many parts of a community work together to shape the physical and social character of a neighborhood, using art and other cultural activities.

Community Partners

Neighborhood transformation is only possible when we all work together. We are proud to partner with the following groups toward these ends: 

• City of Lincoln
• Civic Nebraska
• Collective Impact Lincoln 
• Community Action Partnership
• Community Development Resources
• Healthy Lincoln Collaborative
• Lincoln Community Learning Centers
• Lincoln Cultural Centers
• Lincoln Homeless Coalition
• Nebraska Appleseed
• Nebraska Civic Engagement Table
• Neighborhood Associations
• Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln

…and many more. We collaborate with many informal and place-based groups working to make their community a better place. If you would like to partner with NeighborWorks Lincoln, please contact us!